Foreign national beaten to death in Durban CBD
Police said a group of about 50 people allegedly assaulted the man, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, and he died at the scene. A murder case is open, and police say the motive is unknown.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said two men broke away from a marching crowd and approached the man, who stood on the roadside. A group of about 50 people then allegedly assaulted him. One report put the attack on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street.
The attack happened as anti-immigration protests continued in parts of Durban. Police described it as an apparent xenophobic attack.
Protesters also allegedly targeted a visa office. One report placed the office in Essenwood, and another placed a visa and permit office in Morningside. Private security said protesters armed with sticks and knobkerries fired shots and tried to force their way in.
Netshiunda urged community members not to spread unverified information while the investigation continues.
Key facts
- Who
- Robert Netshiunda (KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson (Col)); KwaZulu-Natal police (investigating police service); Private security (reported the attack on the visa office); VFS (office allegedly breached by protesters in Essenwood, Durban)
- What
- KwaZulu-Natal police said a foreign national, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was allegedly fatally assaulted by a group of about 50 people on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street and declared dead at the scene. Separately, protesters armed with sticks and knobkerries allegedly stormed a visa and permit office in Morningside on Thursday morning.
- When
- 22 October 2026
- Where
- Durban CBD, Dr Pixley kaSeme Street, Maud Mfusi Street
- Status
- Reported